AHF: FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2023/24: what the captains and coaches had to say!

With just one day to go for the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2023/24, the players and coaches of all teams have spoken to express their expectations.

Canada – Sheldon Rostron, Head Coach

“As a team we are excited to face some of the best at the Nations Cup in Terrassa, Spain. We are eager to compete again at a high level event which is important to continue the growth of this team as we start a new cycle. These matches will push us and help us gain valuable insights but also show more of what we can expect from this team going forward. We’re ready for a challenge and looking forward to competing at this event.”

Chile – Camila Caram, Captain

“The Nations Cup will be an interesting tournament, because all the teams are closely contested in the rankings. Every game will be very tough. This is an important challenge, because last time we were seventh and we want to improve that position. The championship will probably be very emotional, but we are focused on the tournament, tactics and technique. We’ll see about the emotional part later. It’s my last tournament with the Diablas after 18 years with the Chile jersey and I want to enjoy the experience to the fullest. It’s nostalgic, but I’m ready to give it my all on the court.”

Ireland – Facundo Quiroga, Head Coach

“The girls have put in a lot of work over the last three months to arrive at this tournament in the best possible form. They have challenged each other to grow as individuals and as a team, and we are enjoying the hockey we’re playing. I believe we can go far in this Nations Cup if we play our game and enjoy the tough moments of the competition. We have an exciting challenge ahead of us.”

Italy – Andres Mondo, Head Coach 

“This FIH Nations Cup edition comes at a very complicated period, for all countries and especially for us, because we have a lot of players still involved in National Championships; for this reason, it was also not possible for us to arrange an ideal training. We expect to grow during the tournament, to be competitive and to put new players and new skills in our group. We are very proud and enthusiastic to know that our players always give their best for Italy.”

Japan – Yuri Nagai, Captain

“For this Nations Cup, we aim to win and make it a great tournament that leads to the Paris Olympics. Our entire team will work hard together. We will make detailed adjustments and prepare well. Thank you for your support.”

Korea – Jungeun Seo, Captain

“I’m both excited and a bit worried about participating in this year’s Nations Cup. As a senior, it’s my responsibility to lead the juniors in such a big competition, and I’ll do my best to make it a good experience for them. I also need to perform well myself and show what I can do. Competing against world-class teams is going to be tough, but I believe Team Korea can go far. My goal is to lead the players, value teamwork, and become a united team. No matter the outcome, I know we will learn a lot, grow, and come back stronger. I really hope everyone prepares well, stays injury-free, and returns home safely.”

New Zealand – Phil Burrows, Head Coach

“The team is feeling energised and excited to be back playing tournament hockey. We are very committed to progressing our game throughout the tournament and beyond. Our expectations are to be in the hunt for the Nations Cup, which means our first focus point is topping our pool.”

Spain – María López, Captain

“We are very excited to play at home in Terrassa. We hope that the Spanish crowd can enjoy our performance and Spain can play the FIH Hockey Pro League next season.”

The 2nd edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup will be played from 3 to 9 June 2024 in Terrassa, Spain. All information about the tournament is available here.

Source: FIH.hockey